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The Sacred Now

The Sacred Now

By The Sacred Now

A podcast about religion, philosophy, and ethics found across pop culture, geekdom, and current events. We talk about all things sacred, secular, and salacious! www.SacredNowPod.com
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1.12 — Demystifying the Myths about Masks

The Sacred NowJul 27, 2020

00:00
58:41
3.02 — A Walk With the Wicked

3.02 — A Walk With the Wicked

Could it be that the people we so enthusiastically vilify in popular media are just reacting to a lifetime’s worth of oppression, judgment, or just plain old bad luck? Comedian and artist VALYRIA GRAVES-KOGEN takes Jay on visit into the not-so-wonderful world of Oz as portrayed into Gregory Maguire’s Wicked, and discusses how the eerily prescient events of this book are reflected in the current American climate.

Nov 07, 202358:35
3.01 — Hankerin' for a Haunting: Horror, Halloween, Death, and the Afterlife
Oct 31, 202301:02:48
2.26 — Spooky Superstition: The Cultural and Clinical Implications of Compulsive Behavior

2.26 — Spooky Superstition: The Cultural and Clinical Implications of Compulsive Behavior

Can prayer, making the sign of the cross, and other superstitious rites be considered cultural rights - or indicative of compulsive behaviors? JAY JACKSON consults clinical psychologist DR. CANDICE HOKE KENNEDY and historical anthropologist CURT SMITH to find answers.

Oct 04, 202159:36
2.25 — The Power of the Tongue: Talking About Talk

2.25 — The Power of the Tongue: Talking About Talk

Special guest SETH WILSON of "Let's Talk Talk" reconnects with JAY JACKSON to talk about the idea of language itself, how grammar rules are used as weapons by the ruling class, and how a common understanding can transcend language barriers.

Sep 28, 202101:06:35
2.24 — Logic and Emotion in "Star Trek"
Sep 20, 202101:01:40
2.23 — Dealing with the Devil: "Madoka Magica" and the Faustian Bargain
Sep 13, 202101:25:46
2.22 — Seven Reasons Why Your Anti-Vaccine Excuses are Bull$#!+

2.22 — Seven Reasons Why Your Anti-Vaccine Excuses are Bull$#!+

In this episode, JAY JACKSON uses data, expert opinion, faith, compassion and humor to lay out a point-by-point rebuttal for the most common excuses people give not to get vaccinated against #COVID.

:: VIEW HERE for David Vega's testimony (courtesy Indiana University School of Medicine)
:: SUBSCRIBE to Dr. Mike Hansen's YouTube Channel
:: READ the CDC's Statement on Vaccine Effectiveness
:: VIEW HERE Breakthrough Case Rates by State (courtesy KFF.org)

Sep 08, 202150:25
2.21 — Borderline: Nationalism, Neopolitical Evolution, and You
Aug 31, 202101:11:05
2.20 — The Dark Side of #BlackExcellence
Aug 16, 202101:03:53
2.19 — Storytelling: Building Worlds with Words

2.19 — Storytelling: Building Worlds with Words

In the beginning was the word; and when that word was shared, it sparked an idea. And when that idea was put into action, that word was fulfilled and became a story. So, what’s in a story, then? What is it that keeps us coming back to age-old tales time and again? Jay, Tanner, Brian, and David (a.k.a. THE RENEGADES) talk about how a good narrative can have an impact we carry with us for life.

Aug 02, 202101:27:17
2.18 — Our Secret Obsessions: Sex in the South

2.18 — Our Secret Obsessions: Sex in the South

Particularly in the American South, there is a culture of shame around sex, sexuality, and sensuality. But where did that shame even come from? Why do we feel the need to keep our desires secret? Journalist and author SUZI PARKER joins JAY JACKSON to expose the seedy underbelly of Southern culture and lay our hypocrisy bare.

Jul 26, 202101:07:37
2.17 — Your Digital Destiny: Video Games, Morality Systems, and Choice
Jul 19, 202101:18:56
2.16 — Sweet Dreams: The Science and Spirituality of Sleep
Jul 12, 202151:16
2.15 — Corporate Media & White Supremacy
Jul 01, 202101:27:21
2.14 — Saving Throws: TTRPGs and Mental Health

2.14 — Saving Throws: TTRPGs and Mental Health

Studies indicate several therapeutic benefits to playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. JAY JACKSON and DAVID WILLIAMS talk with professional counselor MAUREEN SKINNER to get insight on not just their relationship to their characters, but how the act of role-play itself can be instrumental to the healing process. **Content Warning - Discussion of Trauma, Abuse**

Jun 21, 202101:13:09
2.13 — The Rainbow Boys: Gay, Black, and Proud
Jun 14, 202101:24:08
2.12.5 — Midseason Break

2.12.5 — Midseason Break

The Sacred Now returns with all new episodes on June 14th. We're talking superstition, storytelling, sex, and much more! Here's what to expect for the rest of this season.

Jun 07, 202101:41
2.12 — The Propaganda Games: May the Marketing Be Ever in Your Favor
May 24, 202101:28:31
2.11 — The Rent is Due: COVID and the Housing Crisis

2.11 — The Rent is Due: COVID and the Housing Crisis

What kind of landlord would put a tenant out on the street in the middle of a global health crisis? What are land owners supposed to do when their tenants can’t pay because of corona-related complications? Is the best thing to do, necessarily the right thing to do? JAY JACKSON talks with the best real estate and property management expert he knows — and that expert just so happens to be his father. 

May 17, 202101:10:11
2.10 — The Simpsons: Spiritually Irreverent, or Socially Irrelevant?
May 10, 202101:42:27
2.09 — Captain America vs. Toxic Masculinity
May 03, 202101:15:06
2.08 — Walking the Thin Blue Line: Police Dramas in the Era of #BLM
Apr 26, 202101:24:53
2.07 — The Symbolic Significance of Spider-Man
Apr 19, 202101:25:46
2.06 — Unsung Heroes: How Black Women are (Still) Saving America

2.06 — Unsung Heroes: How Black Women are (Still) Saving America

Black Women built this country, and, in many ways, have been the driving force behind every progressive movement since its founding. And yet, data shows they are subject to lower wages, lower healthcare, higher incarceration rates, and higher poverty rates than their white or male counterparts. Today MS. EMILY KEARNS, REP. DENISE ENNET, and DR. ANIKA WHITFIELD talk with JAY JACKSON about what it’s like being a Black Woman in politics, what inspires them, and most importantly, why you need to be more involved.

Apr 12, 202158:37
2.05 — A Sad Spell: Grief, Loss, and WandaVision
Mar 29, 202101:21:29
2.04 — Six Reasons Why Your Calls for Unity are Bull$#!+

2.04 — Six Reasons Why Your Calls for Unity are Bull$#!+

Ever notice how, in times of social turmoil and civil unrest, well-meaning folks start calling for "unity" and for "both sides to come together?" Well, JAY JACKSON has had quite enough of it — and, in the first solo episode of this podcast, lays out a six-point case outlining why these appeals to "go high" actually do more harm than good.

Mar 22, 202155:31
2.03 — How "Calvin & Hobbes" Shaped the Conscience of a Generation
Mar 15, 202101:01:33
2.02 — Marginalized in the Mainstream: Representation in Media
Mar 08, 202101:27:59
2.01 — COVID and the Black Community: What You Need to know about the Coronavirus Vaccine
Mar 01, 202101:18:08
2.00 — Season Two Announcement

2.00 — Season Two Announcement

It's almost time! Season Two of The Sacred Now kicks off Monday, March 1 with new subjects to explore. We're talking about sex, superstition, Spider-Man, and storytelling; cops, Captain America, COVID-19, and Calvin and Hobbes. You won’t want to miss an episode - and now it’s easier than ever to listen and enjoy from our brand new website, SacredNowPod.com!

Feb 22, 202100:32
1.20 — Religion & Politics: Campaigns and Cults

1.20 — Religion & Politics: Campaigns and Cults

What do political parties have in common with cults? More than you might think. This super-size episode features a slew of interviews and takes on the history of how politics has intertwined with religion and pop culture, and how it's affecting our national discourse. Content warning: themes of abuse and exploitation.

Oct 19, 202001:18:01
1.19 - Sisters of Sci-Fi
Oct 13, 202001:10:54
1.18 — Separating the Art from the @$$Hole

1.18 — Separating the Art from the @$$Hole

Is it possible to still take life lessons, internalize valued themes, and enjoy a work of art story, knowing that its creator is a human piece of garbage? Does the art become less valid if the artist is an asshole? Artist Randi Curtis and auteur Christi Seatts sit with Jay Jackson to discuss.

Sep 22, 202001:08:56
1.17 — Lore and Legends of Zelda

1.17 — Lore and Legends of Zelda

Thrilled to have Trace from Side Eye Gaming on the podcast to talk about the incredibly vast lore of The Legend of Zelda! What makes Link's journey as a hero so compelling? Why did the Golden Goddess leave the Hyleans to their own devices? And WTF is going on with that timeline?! Let's talk about it!

Sep 15, 202054:29
1.16 — Militant Evangelicalism: American Christianity and the US Military

1.16 — Militant Evangelicalism: American Christianity and the US Military

Ever think about why the image of war is so prevalent in American Christianity? When did we militarize the Gospel? It turns out that history goes deeper than you think. Activist Amie White and army veteran Leslie Battle sit with Jay and delve into America's militant evangelical history.

Aug 31, 202058:29
1.15 — Final Fantasy Myths and Monsters
Aug 24, 202057:29
1.14 — The Great Bat Debate
Aug 17, 202001:06:32
1.13 — UnEntangling the Ethics of Black Relationships in Media
Aug 04, 202001:16:56
1.12 — Demystifying the Myths about Masks

1.12 — Demystifying the Myths about Masks

Even with mask mandates in effect all over the country, and data indicating that masks slow the spread of COVID-19, a number of people refuse to wear them. This week, Jay invites Scott, a microbiologist, to debunk the myths about masks, and discuss the ethics of why the government should make wearing them mandatory.

Jul 27, 202058:41
1.11.5 - Midseason Break

1.11.5 - Midseason Break

There's no show today, but there are several announcements to make, including our upcoming LIVE SHOW EVENTS and what cool stuff to expect for the rest of the season!

Jul 13, 202002:48
1.11 — The Messiah and the Man of Steel (Superman)

1.11 — The Messiah and the Man of Steel (Superman)

Jay is joined by Robert Shepherd (@ElThrob) to discuss how the Last Son of Krypton stacks up to the Son of God, and whether or not mankind needs a messiah — heat vision or not.

Jul 06, 202055:24
1.10 — The Role of Religion in the Revolution

1.10 — The Role of Religion in the Revolution

The church played an integral part in the Civil Rights Era; but in the modern #BLM movement, not so much. Will Spottedbear (WillSpottedbear), Mo Alexander (@MoAlexander), and Krish Mohan (@KrishMohanHaHa) talk with Jay about whether faith has a part to play in the new revolution.

Jun 29, 202001:12:30
1.09 — Rainbows and Religion (LGBTQ Culture and the Church)
Jun 22, 202059:08
1.08 — Alignment, Ethics, and Good vs Evil (Dungeons and Dragons)

1.08 — Alignment, Ethics, and Good vs Evil (Dungeons and Dragons)

Host Jay Jackson and guest Tanner Treadway (@tanner_juicebox) discuss the concepts of law, chaos, good and evil as presented in Dungeons And Dragons. What, exactly, do the words “good” and “evil” mean? And how does the way the game defines those terms apply to the real world? 

Jun 15, 202001:13:53
1.07 — Faith in a Fallen World (The Walking Dead)

1.07 — Faith in a Fallen World (The Walking Dead)

When the world is crumbling all around you, how do you cope? What kind of strain does the trauma and grief of the universe place on your personal faith? For this completely, totally hypothetical and not-at-all-related-to-real-life question, Jay brings special guest Leroy Mathis in for some table talk on, chicken, traditionalism, and "The Walking Dead."

Jun 08, 202001:05:03
1.06 — Black Lives Matter

1.06 — Black Lives Matter

We break our normal schedule to bring you a special episode in light of the resurgent deaths of unarmed Black people at the hands of police. Jay invites several friends to share their thoughts and feelings on current events... and they responded. **CONTENT WARNING: themes of violence, references to sexual assault, strong language**

Jun 01, 202001:10:32
1.05 — Spells and Spiritualism (Harry Potter)

1.05 — Spells and Spiritualism (Harry Potter)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is rife with allegory, symbolism, and thematic elements. In this episode, Ruth Houston (@the_lost_blog) and Chad Kusturin (@chaders99) help Jay unpack the religious implications thereof, and touch on some of the controversial elements surrounding the Boy Who Lived.

May 25, 202001:08:14
1.04 — Faith in the Time of Corona

1.04 — Faith in the Time of Corona

Jay invites actor and producer Amie White, comedian Will Wininger, veteran and comedian Leslie Battle, and veteran and gamer Austin Zlomke to discuss how COVID-19, quarantine, and social distancing have affected our cultural landscape — and our faith.

May 25, 202056:57
1.03 — Prayers of the Panther (Black Panther)

1.03 — Prayers of the Panther (Black Panther)

This episode, Jay is joined by LaToya Cherise (@IncitefulA) of the Inciteful Alien podcast to talk about the instances of African spiritualism in Black Panther — and how it relates to the Black American experience of today.

May 25, 202001:11:05
1.02 — Captains of the Cosmos (Star Trek)
May 25, 202045:51